Scolinos stadium campaign in phase two

The Athletic Department is in the process of an approximately $7 million four phase renovation of Scolinos Field baseball stadium.

The first phase of the project was the addition of lights and a new scoreboard, which was completed in the winter of 2016. These additions finally allowed Cal Poly Pomona to play night games and host NCAA regional tournament games.

The three remaining phases comprise the largest part of the renovation project, with plans to build modern streamlined facilities like stadium seating for fans, an expanded and remodeled dugout, a press box, a permanent team clubhouse and team room and a right and left field patio area for spectators.

“When all is said and done, CPP’s baseball team will be playing in one of the best-equipped stadiums in all of Division 2 with beautiful facilities to complement it all,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brian Swanson.

What makes CPP’s stadium renovation project unique from other schools is that there are no state dollars involved in funding. The project is being funded completely by private donations and fundraising.

This grassroots spirit and passion has given the renovation project even more meaning and has rallied the CPP community to unite for a common cause.

“You have your initial campaign where you push for funds, and then we meet and visit with other donors and those that are interested in CPP Baseball, and as a result you develop relationships with those that have an interest in our team and program. Those relationships make it that much more special when certain milestones are passed and the groundwork is laid for progress in the future,” Swanson said.

While the Scolinos Field renovation has a number of donors, there are certain individuals who had a specific vision and desire for a part of the development and wanted to get involved.

“Certain donors come forward with a certain passion that they want to see happen and you really want to be able to capitalize on those opportunities and accommodate them as best you can,” said Swanson.

For example, the field lights and new scoreboard in phase one was completed thanks to a gift of $500,000 from CPP alumnus Danny Andrews.

There is an initial budget set for each phase, but depending on many factors, costs may rise or fall.

Currently, phase two has a projected budget of $500,000, which will be put towards improvements such as the addition and renovation of backstops, netting and fencing, as well as the expansion of the dugout.

Phase three has a projected budget of between $1.5 million to $2 million, which will be used for the installation of new stadium-seating bleachers, a press box, permanent restrooms, a ticketing area and main entrance structure, as well as other minor architectural additions.

Lastly, phase four commands the biggest projected budget, between $2 million and $2.5 million.

The money will be spent on a permanent team clubhouse with showers, a right field and left field patio area, a monumental gateway for legendary baseball coach John Scolinos, decorative lighting and decorative fencing.

“As the project changes in scope and nature, so the price will follow with it; we can certainly anticipate some changes in the budget as trends and ideas change,” said Swanson.

Currently, the Athletic Department is working with and actively searching for donors to fund phases two through four.

At this time, no timetable has been set for the completion of the project.

Courtesy of CPP SPORTS INFORMATION

Digital rendering of what Scolinos Field will look like when completed